BEIJING could get a huge boost in its search for dominance in the South China Sea as the Philippines asks for its treaty with America to be updated or even scrapped.

The Philippines is looking to alter its 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty (MDT) with the US to include its South China Sea claims. However, it is very unlikely America will agree to those terms. China has been involved in multiple disputes with the Philippines, Brunai, Vietnam and Malaysia over the South China Sea but could gain a key strategic ally in Manila if their treaty with America is aborted.

Just two months ago, Mr Détente claimed “China is already in possession of the South China Sea” as he has looked to align the country with Beijing.

Tensions between America and China have skyrocketed over the past few years as China has employed its “nine-dash-line” policy which stakes claim to 90 percent of the South China Sea.

At the centre of the conflict between the Philippines and China is Beijing’s fortification of several islands claimed by the Philippines, specifically, Scarborough Shoal.

US-Filipino and Chinese forces went head to head over the island in 2012 with America eventually retreating and verbally protesting China’s actions with then US President, Barack Obama urging Manilla not to go to war over “a bunch of rocks”.